The Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office is dedicated to providing accurate information to the public and media. If you are a member of the working media and would like an interview with the State Attorney, or you need information on a case, would like to talk to a specific assistant state attorney or are looking for an expert in a certain area of prosecution, please contact our public information officers Ed Griffith, Terry Chavez or Lissette Valdes-Valle.

Friday, November 15, 2013

Miami (November 13, 2013) With the mailing of absentee ballots for the forthcoming runoff elections, Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle wanted to remind voters to work to protect the sanctity of their ballot. Some individuals may approach you with some highly questionable propositions regarding your absentee ballot, which you should have already received or which you are about to receive.

•If you received an absentee ballot that you did not request, there may be something else involved. Call my Absentee Ballot Task Force at 305-547-3300 and speak with my staff. Such a small step may help avoid potential election improprieties.

•If someone offers to fill out your ballot for you, get their name and ask them who are they working for but politely refuse their assistance. Then call my Absentee Ballot Task Force at 305-547-3300.

•If someone (a non-family member) offers to mail your ballot for you, they are committing a crime. Again, get their name and ask them who are they working for but politely refuse their assistance. In Miami-Dade County, the ballot postage is already prepaid. Let the U.S. Postal service safely transmit your ballot. In that way, no one can alter your vote or make a decision for you. Then call my Absentee Ballot Task Force at 305-547-3300.

•If anyone offers you money for your vote, they are committing a crime. Again, get their name and ask them who are they working for but politely refuse their assistance. Then call my Absentee Ballot Task Force at 305-547-3300.

“Your vote is your choice,” commentated State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. “Don’t let anyone take that choice away from you with a nod or a wink or a promise. Too many people have struggled too long to put that ballot in your hand. As you vote with an eye to the future, remember those who have sacrificed their blood to put that vote in your hand. Handle it carefully and vote with pride.”